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Ho Chi Minh City is the most populous city, and also the business and financial hub of Vietnam. Located in the southeastern region of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is 1,760 km south of the capital Hanoi. The city lies on the banks of the Saigon River which is the city's major river port.
The historic city has gone by several different names during its history. The names reflect settlement by different ethnic, cultural, and political groups. The city was originally a trading city port of the Khmer Empire under the name of Prey Nokor. In the 17th century, the Vietnamese took over the region and renamed it Gia Dinh. That name was changed to Sài Gòn, westernized as Saigon, after the French conquest in the 1860s.
After the Fall of Saigon in 1975, it was renamed Ho Chi Minh to honor the spiritual leader of Vietnamese Communism. Yet, the previous name of Saigon is still used when mentioning the city center (District 1 and the neighboring areas). The official name Ho Chi Minh City refers more to the entire city with its urban and rural districts.
A corner of Ho Chi Minh City at night
Nowadays, Saigon is a popular tourist destination with diverse attractions. With a system of 11 museums, Ho Chi Minh City ranks first in Vietnam in the number of museums. The largest and oldest museum in the city is the Vietnam History Museum with 30,000 artifacts. The War Remnants Museum attracts a majority of foreigners. Whilst, the museum that attracts the most domestic visitors is the Ho Chi Minh Museum.
Ho Chi Minh City is also a religious city. The territory of the city today has more than 1,000 temples and shrines built over several periods. The churches appeared mainly in the 19th century in Roman and Gothic styles. The city's largest and most famous church is the Notre Dame Cathedral in District 1. The colonial period has left the city with many important architectural works, such as the People's Committee Head Office, Opera House, Central Post Office, Ben Nha Rong...
Independence Palace and General Science Library were built during the Republic of Vietnam. Modern architecture imprints in the city with buildings, hotels, and commercial centers such as Diamond Plaza, and Saigon Trade Center... Outside the center, Cu Chi Tunnels, Can Gio Mangrove Forest, and Thu Duc Stork Garden are also important tourist sites.
Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is also a heaven of shopping and entertainment. The city is home to fascinating rooftop bars, music tea rooms, discos, and theaters. It also has many amusement parks such as Dam Sen Park, Suoi Tien, and Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Shopping malls, such as Ben Thanh Market, Diamond Plaza... Restaurants offering a combination of Vietnamese cuisine, French, and Chinese... are also the strength of city tourism.
Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical savanna climate and hot conditions with an average humidity of 78–82%. It is influenced by the monsoon, tropical latitudes, and proximity to the South China Sea. A year in Ho Chi Minh City is divided into two distinct rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season usually lasts from May to November with about 150 rainy days.
The dry season, also the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City starts in December and ends in April. The temperatures vary minimally all year round with an average temperature of 28°C (82°F). The daylight normally lasts for 12 to 13 hours with intense sunshine throughout the year. The hottest time is in April which may reach 40°C (104°F) and the coldest day is recorded in January at 13.8°C (57°F).
1. Ho Chi Minh City Walking/Scooter Tour
This tour takes you around downtown Saigon to explore its history, traditions, and culture. Stroll past timeless alleys, glittering pagodas, bustling marketplaces, gastronome restaurants, and architectural wonders. Admire the Notre Dame Cathedral built entirely from materials imported from France. Visit the Central Post Office built in the 19th century...
Scooter Tour Explore Ho Chi Minh City
2. China Town Cyclo Tour
Visit Chinatown for a close look at the enchanted area that seems frozen since the earliest time of Chinese immigration. On a 3-wheeled ride, you zip through the lantern-lined alleys and charming lanes around Cho Lon. Ride past colorful shops and elegant pagodas. Learn about the traditions of this vibrant community. A memorable time and a great chance for a photo hunt.
Cyclo tour to explore Ho Chi Minh City
3. Cu Chi Tunnels Tour by Car or Jeep
Explore the underground tunnel network used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. Learn how an extensive subterranean world was created. See the documentaries about its usage and take the chance to shoot an AK-47 assault rifle.
4. Mekong Delta Tour
Cruise past quaint riverfront villages and stilt-houses. Nibble on sweet tooth-satisfying coconut candies. Watch a traditional folk music performance. Tuck into a delicious lunch of Vietnamese specialties... and many other exciting activities.
5. Saigon River Breakfast/Dinner Cruise
See the largest city in Vietnam with a look from a delectable cruise. Enjoy your meal with Vietnam dishes while being surrounded by beautiful greenery.
6. Food Tour or Cooking Class with Market Tour
Explore Vietnamese culinary delights. Uncover the secrets of authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Visit a market to learn about local ingredients and taste some street foods. Learn how to cook Vietnamese dishes under careful instruction from experienced chefs.
Food Tour or Cooking Class with Market Tour
7. Floating Market Tour
Weave through trading boats loaded with rural vegetables and fruits. Talk to the traders and buy any things at a very cheap price.
8. Can Gio Mangrove Forest
Say goodbye to the busy city for some hours to visit Can Gio Mangrove Forest and Rung Sac Guerilla Base. Take a boat through the lush biosphere reserve and admire the idyllic countryside.
The best Ho Chi Minh City foods are well-mentioned as nutritious, savory, and hearty delights. Besides fine-dining restaurants, the city owns many roadside eateries and street food carts. Those who have come here to enjoy the delicious taste of the food will never forget it. Can be enjoyed at any time of the day, Saigon delicacies will satisfy your appetite for authentic Vietnamese food.
List of must-eat foods in Saigon.
1. Bánh mì - Baguette sandwich
Banh Mi is a Vietnamese dish that is available almost everywhere in Ho Chi Minh City. Filling the baguette are meat, pate, pickled vegetables, cilantro, chilies, and hot peppers. There are a variety of meat fillings for your Banh Mi. You can choose roasted pork belly, fried fish with turmeric and dill, sausages, chicken, fried egg...
Banh Mi (Baguette Sandwich)
Price: VND 15,000 - VND 70,000
2. Phở - Noodles & Hủ tiếu - Rice noodles
Pho is a flavorful soup with beef chicken, and bean sprouts. Side dishes include lime, basil, mint, cilantro, onions, and chili sauce. Hu Tieu is a version of pho, featuring a clear pork-based broth, flat rice noodles, and pork toppings. If you’re not a fan of pork, you can enjoy Hu Tieu with shrimp, squid, or fish.
Address: Any local restaurant or street market
Price: VND 30,000 - VND 100,000 for a bowl of Pho
VND 25,000 - VND 100,000 for a bowl of Hu Tieu
3. Bánh Xèo - Crispy Pancake
The cover of Banh Xeo is made of rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric. It is stuffed with shrimp, pork slices, onions, bean sprouts, and button mushrooms. Banh Xeo Saigon is enjoyed with mint leaves, basil, herbs, and then wrapped in mustard leaf, lettuce leaves, or rice papers. The roll is dipped in a sweet and sour fish sauce.
Bánh Xèo - Crispy Pancake
Address: 46A Dinh Cong Trang, District 1
Opening hours: from 10 am - 2 pm and 4 pm - 9 pm
Price: VND 50,000 - VND 100,000
4. Ốc - Snails
Choose from raw snails, blood cockles, clams, oysters, shrimp, and crabs. Enjoy them in varying cooking methods: grilled, sautéed, curried, or steamed. Bestselling: chem chép nướng mỡ hành (grilled mussels with scallion oil and peanuts), Sò Huyết Xốt Me (stir-fried blood cockles with tamarind sauce), and Ngao Hấp Xả (steamed clams with lemongrass). Oc is best enjoyed with rice wine or cold beers.
Address: Roadside stalls and inexpensive restaurants.
Price: VND 30,000 onwards.
5. Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice)
A plate of com tam includes steamed broken rice, fried egg, diced green onions, and meats such as barbecued pork chop, shredded pork skin, and steamed pork and egg patty. Side dish: pickled vegetables, cucumber slices, and Vietnamese dipping sauce.
Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice)
Address: Roadside stalls and inexpensive restaurants.
Price: VND 30,000 - VND 120,000 per bowl.
6. Gỏi Cuốn (Vietnamese Spring Rolls)
Goi Cuon is a rice paper roll stuffed with vermicelli, pork slices, shrimp, basil, and lettuce. The roll is then dipped in a mix of ground chili and hoisin sauce, and topped with crushed peanuts.
7. Bánh Cuốn (Rolled Cake)
Steamed fermented rice sheet stuffed with a mix of ground pork, minced wood ear mushroom, and onions. Best eaten with Vietnamese ham (chả lụa), steamed beansprouts, cucumbers, shrimp floss, coriander, and herbs. Each bite is dipped in a sweet-sour sauce made with fish extract, lime, and chili.
Address: Vendors in marketplaces and local restaurants.
Price: ~ VND 30,000 - VND 50,000
8. Bun Thit Nuong (Rice Vermicelli with Grilled Pork)
Bun Thit Nuong is among the hearty dishes in Ho Chi Minh City. It features rice vermicelli with grilled yet tender pork shoulder. Side dish includes basil, chopped lettuce, peanuts, sliced cucumber, bean sprouts, pickled daikon, and carrot. You also get a bowl of dipping sauce to mix into the Bun Thit Nuong for a flavorful ensemble.
Address: Vendors in marketplaces and local restaurants.
Price: ~ VND 30,000 - VND 100,000
10 Best Value hotels in Ho Chi Minh City
1. The Myst Dong Khoi
The Myst Dong Khoi is located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City just some steps from the Saigon River. The Myst provides a calm retreat, a welcome oasis with modern facilities.
The rooftop swimming pool and treatment at KL Spa will relax you after a long day of exploring the downtown. The boutique fitness center is ideal for those looking to stay active.
2. Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel
Liberty Central Saigon Riverside is a perfect combination of comfort and convenience. The hotel features 170 well-designed rooms and suites and plenty of recreation facilities.
Enjoy your stay with the infinity swimming pool next to a rooftop bar or inclusive lounge with a private boardroom.
Price: From VND 1,253,000
3. Park Hyatt Saigon
The Park Hyatt Saigon is a 5-star hotel centrally located at Lam Son Square in the heart of the city. The hotel is operated by Hyatt International Corporation, ensuring an international standard of service.
The Park Hyatt Saigon
4. Lotte Legend Hotel Saigon
Lotte Legend Hotel Saigon is a 5-star hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Fronting the active Saigon River, the hotel is only a 5-minute walk from the famous Opera House. The Lotte features an amazing resort setting, a combination of natural beauty and sheer opulence.
Its architectural interior provides discerning travelers with a feeling of luxury and tranquility.
5. C Central Hotel
Located in the center of the city, C Central Hotel is only minutes from the city's attractions. The hotel offers 54 rooms in 2 buildings; each room is air-conditioned with a cable TV, safe, and minibar. The private bathroom comes with qualified amenities, shower, or a bathtub.
6. Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers
Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers provides guests with 5-star accommodations and award-winning facilities. The luxury hotel is a minute's walk to the Opera House, Ben Thanh Market, War Remnants Museum, and Reunification Palace.
7. Rex Hotel
The Rex is a luxury 5-star hotel heritage located at the best of downtown Saigon. It offers 286 guestrooms, a meeting room, four in-house restaurants, cafes, and bars; all come with high-class facilities.
8. Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint Hotel
Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint is an exceptional hotel embracing a fresh, urban design. It comes with 171 modern rooms and suites that unite convenience and comfort for the utmost satisfaction. The Liberty is also special for being the only hotel in Ho Chi Minh City offering an in-house cinema.
9. Hotel Nikko Saigon
Hotel Nikko Saigon offers business and leisure travelers spacious accommodations and great cuisines. Representing refined Japanese hospitality, Nikko provides ultimate comfort and service excellence from a passionate team.
Hotel Nikko Saigon
10. Little Saigon Boutique Hotel
The Little Saigon hotel is right in the heart of vibrant Saigon with 18 RETRO-designed rooms. The modern facilities and amenities offer guests a refined and relaxing environment.
1. Banana Mama Rooftop & Kitchen
A great European, Dining bar for chilling and enjoying excellent food.
Opening hours: 17:00 – 02:00 Tuesday to Friday, till 03:00 Saturday, closed on Monday
Address: ABC, 102, Cong Quynh, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1
2. Shamballa Vegetarian Restaurant & Tea House
Shamballa offers a Vietnamese healthy menu suitable for all ages. From the most popular dishes like Pho or avocado egg rolls to Lotus Mani Soup, Roasted Rice... their impressive taste will please any gourmet.
Shamballa Vegetarian Restaurant & Tea House
Opening hours: 10:00 – 22:00
Address: 17-19 Trinh Van Can, St, District 1, Ho Chi Minh 70000
3. Poke Saigon Ly Tu Trong
A Japanese, American restaurant with excellent Western standard fresh poke, a nice atmosphere, and great background music...
Opening hours: 10:00 – 21:00
Address: First floor, 42 Bis Ly Tu Trong, Ben Nghe, District 1
4. Lush Burger
An American-style restaurant & bar with delicious food, friendly staff, and an amazing view of the Ben Thanh market.
Opening hours: 08:00 – 23:30
Address: 194 Lê Thánh Tôn St., District 1 1. Rooftop Bars
5. Li Bai Restaurant
Come to Ho Chi Minh, and don't forget to savor an extensive Chinese menu or a Cantonese dim-sum buffet at Li Bai Restaurant. This a great place for reunions with family, friends, and partners.
Opening hours: 11:00 – 14:30, 18:00 – 22:00 Monday to Saturday, 10:00 – 14:30, 18:00 – 22:00 Sunday.
Address: Set in Sheraton Saigon Hotel, 88 Đong Khoi Street, District 1
6. Bun Bo Nam Bo - Ba Ba
A Vietnamese cozy and affordable restaurant with great food and an extensive vegetarian option.
Opening hours: 09:30 – 20:30
Address: 76 Nguyen Thai Binh Street, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1
7. Baba's Kitchen
A favorite Indian restaurant in Saigon with a mission of bringing India to Vietnam.
Opening hours: 11:00 – 22:30
Address: 274 Bui Vien, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1
8. Bollywood Indian Restaurant & Bar
Halal, glutton-free, North & South Indian, all are available at Bollywood Indian. Come to enjoy traditional Indian dishes in an impressive space right in the heart of Saigon.
Opening hours: 10:30 – 00:00
Address: 207 Bui Vien, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1
9. Shanti Indian Cuisine
Shanti Indian Cuisine has gratefully been serving authentic Indian food to travelers all over the world coming to Ho Chi Minh.
Shanti Indian Cuisine
Opening hours: 10:00 – 23:00
Address: 371C Pham Ngu Lao, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1
10. Ngon Villa Saigon
Ngon Villa Saigon offers an innovative All-You-Can-Eat concept and a variety of a la carte dishes. Each dish is prepared with dedication, served fresh, natural, and delicious.
Opening hours: 16:00 – 22:00
Address: 193 Hai Ba Trung Street, District 3
1. Rooftop Bars
When night falls is a great time to sit back with a cocktail and take in the marvelous view of Ho Chi Minh City. If you are looking for a colonial charm, come to Saigon Saigon. If you are a modern style, Chill Skybar is a place for you. The awesome collection of rooftop bars in Ho Chi Minh City is to suit any mood.
2. Saigon Craft Beer
The street drinking scene and craft beer in Ho Chi Minh are legendary, best on Pham Ngu Lao Street. Come to enjoy a night out in this hub of foreigners and local Vietnamese. Drinking cheap beers on small plastic stools is a great way to spend your night like a local.
3. Live Music Bars
Ho Chi Minh City has an extraordinary collection of bars for live music fans from smooth jazz to heavy rock. All of them come with a fantastic atmosphere and great musicians, an amazing way to have a night out.
4. Nightclubs
A nightclub in Saigon is a premier nightlife hotspot to see the youth of Saigon show them off. Each venue comes with an industrial-chic style with a dance floor and an upstairs seating area. Music depends on the night, ranging from house to hip-hop and a bit of mainstream party pop.
Nightclubs in Ho Chi Minh City
5. Dinner Cruise down the Saigon River
A leisurely dinner cruise on the Saigon River is an exceptional choice for a romantic night in Ho Chi Minh. Along with dinner and the night views of the city, most cruises offer a live jazz performance and a traditional Vietnamese dance to enjoy.
6. Ben Thanh Night Market
Wander around Ben Thanh market at night to savor a wide variety of food from the street vendors. Although busiest during the day, Ben Thanh market also plays a central role at nighttime. Not only food vendors on the streets, but you also see many fashion and souvenir stalls. If you want to buy things, bargaining is a necessity. The night market becomes a pedestrian zone from 19:00 until 24:00 along Phan Boi Chau Street.
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